Falmouth residents seek to avoid the whistles that come with more train traffic

FALMOUTH, Maine — The town of Falmouth is moving to expand its no-whistle zone before the Amtrak Downeaster extends passenger train service from Portland to Freeport and Brunswick next year.

The Town Council heard this week from several residents who live near railroad crossings who support an expanded no-whistle zone.

The council will vote Dec. 12 on a proposal to spend as much as $137,000 to make safety improvements at four crossings in town so train would not blow whistles except in emergencies.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the improvements would include the addition of raised road medians, each 60 to 100 feet long, to channel motor vehicle traffic as it approaches the crossings. The crossings already have gates.